Chemical exfoliants are a type of classes that may get complicated quick, particularly whenever you’re observing a shelf (or extra probably, a display screen) full of AHAs, BHAs and PHAs and making an attempt to determine what really deserves a spot in your cart. A fast refresher: In contrast to bodily exfoliants, which depend on gritty particles to manually buff away lifeless pores and skin, chemical formulation use acids to dissolve the bonds holding these cells in place. The variations come all the way down to the kind of acid—some are derived from pure sources, like fruit sugars, whereas others are lab-created. Briefly: it’s a skin-care class that really deserves its personal deep dive.
Forward, the formulation they attain for repeatedly—and precisely why they love them. And keep in mind: It’s at all times greatest to examine with your personal supplier earlier than beginning one thing new, however these recs supply a useful take a look at what specialists genuinely belief.
Featured Consultants Jaimie DeRosa, MD is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon and founding father of DeRosa Middle Plastic Surgical procedure & Med Spa in Boston and Palm Seashore, FL Sachin M. Shridharani, MD is a board-certified plastic surgeon and founding father of Luxurgery in New York Goretti Ho Taghva, MD is a board-certified plastic surgeon and Founding father of LEA Plastic Surgical procedure & Aesthetic Lab in Newport Seashore, CA Shim Ching, MD is a board-certified plastic surgeon and founding father of Asia Pacific Plastic Surgical procedure in Honolulu, HI The right way to Use Chemical Exfoliants
Chemical exfoliants can present up in a couple of completely different codecs, corresponding to toners, serums, lotions and even cleansers. “Chemical exfoliants are typically used as a liquid/cream-based product and may even be part of a cleanser,” she explains. If yours isn’t constructed into your face wash, she recommends beginning with a clear canvas: “Wash your face first to remove dirt, make-up and impurities and then use your chemical exfoliant.” After rinsing, you may transfer via the remainder of your traditional routine as regular.
Who Ought to Keep away from Chemical Exfoliants
Whereas chemical exfoliants may be extremely efficient, they’re not for each scenario. Dr. DeRosa notes that they’re greatest averted when the pores and skin is already weak. “I would recommend avoiding use of a chemical exfoliant on broken, irritated skin or if the skin has been compromised in any way, such as after a chemical peel or microneedling,” she says. She additionally provides that “patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding should always check with their doctor before using a chemical exfoliant.”
Indicators to Look Out For
Though chemical exfoliants are likely to really feel gentler than gritty scrubs, they will nonetheless trigger irritation for those who overdo it. Dr. DeRosa factors out that, much like bodily exfoliants, they shouldn’t essentially be an on a regular basis step. “Just like a physical exfoliant, a chemical exfoliant should not typically be used every day, since this could irritate the skin,” she says. Redness, dryness and irritation are early warning indicators. Should you discover any of these, Dr. DeRosa recommends urgent pause: “If that happens, just give your skin a rest and use a gentle cleanser and products.”
The Greatest Chemical Exfoliants, In response to Board-Licensed Plastic Surgeons
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I at all times consider face masks because the dessert course of skincare, which makes this choose the proper place to start. “My favorite chemical exfoliant is Andalou Naturals Brightening Pumpkin Honey Glycolic Mask,” says Dr. DeRosa. “Glycolic acid—an AHA—and pumpkin extract, rich in beta-carotene, help to gently exfoliate, smooth and brighten the skin. The honey and hyaluronic acid help to nourish and hydrate the skin, while turmeric helps brighten the skin.”
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“When it comes to maintaining smooth and healthy skin, one of my recommended products is the SkinMedica AHA/BHA Exfoliating Cleanser,” says Dr. Ching. “It’s a favorite of mine and one I often recommend to patients here at Asia Pacific Aesthetics because it delivers professional-level exfoliation in a way that’s still gentle enough for most skin types.
What makes this cleanser special is its blend of alpha-hydroxy and beta-hydroxy acids. The AHAs work on the surface of the skin to dissolve dull, dead cells, while the BHAs penetrate deeper into the pores to clear congestion and refine texture. Together, they help brighten the complexion, smooth fine lines, and prep the skin to better absorb other active ingredients, such as vitamin C, retinol or growth factors. It’s an easy way to keep your skin in that ‘post-facial’ glow between your in-office treatments.”
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“I’ve seen firsthand how much of a difference regular, well-formulated exfoliation can make for skin health and glow,” says Dr. Taghva. “Chemical exfoliants are essential for maintaining smooth texture and even tone. But because I already do higher-impact treatments like microneedling and lasers, I don’t look for something that causes prolonged peeling or downtime. I prefer gentle, intelligent exfoliation that integrates seamlessly into my regimen.
My favorite is the ZO Skin Health Exfoliation Accelerator, which combines 10 percent glycolic and lactic acids with soothing antioxidants and botanicals such as aloe, green tea and chamomile. It gently removes dull surface cells while calming the skin and promoting renewal. It is ideal for ongoing maintenance between procedures.”
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Should you’re somebody who finds the concept of exfoliating with out the gritty really feel a bit unsettling, right here’s Alastin ReSURFACE Pores and skin Polish as a cheerful medium: “It combines gentle chemical exfoliation with perlite, a volcanic mineral that removes dead skin cells and promotes smoother, brighter skin,” says Dr. Shridharani. “The formula includes glycolic acid, phytoene, and phytofluene for effective exfoliation while maintaining skin health and minimizing irritation.”
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Dr. Taghva was torn between selecting only one, so she additionally shared a second favourite: these peel pads, which the model recommends utilizing as much as thrice per week after cleaning, swiped over the pores and skin in round motions with no rinsing required. “They use lactic, glycolic, and salicylic acids with their proprietary AlphaRet retinoid technology,” the plastic surgeon explains, including that they lend “clinical-grade resurfacing and collagen stimulation in a single swipe, yet remain surprisingly tolerable even for sensitive skin.”
